No. 4 in the continuing series of the Top Golf Stories of 2012, Augusta National the home of the Green Jacket and the Masters broke tradition and added Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as full members.

You can view Top Golf Stories Nos. 5-10 at:  http://www.edraft.com/golf/news/

Augusta National had taken some heat in the media over the past decade for limiting their membership to men only.

Women’s Rights Activist, Martha Burk had led protests and sought media support as early as 2003 to force Augusta National to add women members.

Augusta National does not accept threats and attempts to open its closed-door membership activities kindly.  They are a completely totalitarian society and don’t feel the need to explain their policies to anyone.  Adding a new member to its roster can take up to five years. 

In the end Augusta National did it their way and even though they took their time, they got it right.

When Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts founded Augusta National in the early 1930’s women did not journey too far from the home fires.  A woman’s place was in the home and the men of the house brought home the bacon.

In the modern era we all know that women rule the world and are deeply involved in business and government around the world.  Times have changed and women deserve and demand a seat at every table.

Still it was a mild shock when Billy Payne announced in August that the club had extended membership offers to former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier, Darla Moore.

Ms. Rice and Ms. Moore are both avid golfers and have proven their abilities in their chosen professions.  They should be a positive influence inside the club.

The Masters will also make history in 2013 when it welcomes 14-year-old Guan Tianlang as the youngest competitor ever.

Tianlang won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship to earn an automatic invitation to Augusta National in April.

Augusta National recognizes the importance of the Far East to the growth and future of golf. 

They certainly didn’t expect a middle school student to be included in the 2013 Masters field but they sure will open the eyes of prospective young golfers in Asia who can dream of walking the hallowed fairways of Augusta National.